AP Environmental Science Overview

Aug 9, 2024

AP Environmental Science Lecture Notes

Introduction to AP Environmental Science

  • Study of interactions between Earth's systems and human systems.
  • Current global population exceeds 7 billion, creating pressure on Earth.

Course Structure

  • Focus on:
    • Earth systems
    • Living systems
    • Human populations
  • Topics covered include:
    • Land and water use
    • Energy
    • Pollution and climate change

Importance of Sustainability

  • Understanding sustainability is key to living within Earth's boundaries.
  • Example: Easter Island - deforestation led to dramatic population decline.

Key Figures in Environmental Science

  • Rachel Carson:
    • Author of "Silent Spring"
    • Studied DDT and its negative environmental impacts.

Distinction Between Environmental Science and Environmentalism

  • Environmental science seeks truth through scientific methods.
  • Environmentalism is a belief system advocating for environmental protection.

Why This Course Matters

  • Importance of societal survival rather than just saving the planet.
    • Planet will survive; human numbers may not if we exceed planetary boundaries.
  • Planetary boundaries (Johann Rockstrom):
    • Climate change
    • Ocean acidification
    • Ozone depletion
    • Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles
    • Freshwater use
    • Deforestation
    • Biodiversity loss
    • Pollution

Economic Drivers of Sustainability

  • Need for economic incentives to encourage sustainable practices.
  • The concept of ecological footprint:
    • Developed countries consume more resources than developing ones.

Interdisciplinary Approach

  • Course includes natural sciences, social sciences, and humanities.
  • Discusses ethics, law, and politics alongside scientific content.

Course Practices

  • Importance of applying scientific principles:
    • Asking questions
    • Conducting investigations
    • Case studies (e.g., Deep Water Horizon oil spill)

AP Exam Overview

Test Structure

  1. Multiple Choice
    • 100 questions, 90 minutes.
    • Mix of discrete questions and sets (e.g., maps).
  2. Free Response
    • One question based on a data set.
    • Document-based question related to a fictional city (Fremont).
  3. Data Analysis Skills
    • Analyze data for multiple choice and free response.
    • Emphasis on calculations without calculators.
    • Must understand dimensional analysis and scientific notation.

Concept Map

  • Environmental Science: interactions between natural and human systems.
  • Focus on:
    • Land and water use
    • Energy
    • Pollution and global change
  • Importance of practices in the course.